PM makes annual Afghanistan address

Updated
November 21, 2011 15:13:00

The Prime Minister has used her annual report to parliament on the war in Afghanistan to pay tribute to the Australian soldiers killed and wounded in the campaign, and to outline the preparations for the transition to Afghan-led security by the end of 2014. Last year, the Greens brought on a full parliamentary debate in response to the statement, but today it was limited to an address from the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader.

ELEANOR HALL: Back to Canberra now and the Prime Minister used her annual report to Parliament on the war in Afghanistan this lunchtime to pay tribute to the Australian soldiers killed and wounded and to outline the preparations for the transition to Afghan-led security by the end of 2014.

Julia Gillard also called on Pakistan to do more to counter terrorism and extremism.

Last year the Greens brought on a full parliamentary debate in response to the prime ministerial statement, but today the report-back was limited to an address from the Prime Minister and one from the Opposition Leader.

In Canberra, Alexandra Kirk reports.

ALEXANDRA KIRK: Since Julia Gillard last addressed Parliament on the war in Afghanistan a year ago, 11 Australian soldiers have been killed.

JULIA GILLARD: Australians well understand that days of progress and days of sorrow still lie ahead.

ALEXANDRA KIRK: The Prime Minister has reaffirmed Australia's military commitment in Afghanistan.

JULIA GILLARD: There must be no safe haven for terrorists in Afghanistan. We must stand firmly by our ally, the United States. Mr Speaker, yes we are paying a high price for progress in Afghanistan but progress is being made.

ALEXANDRA KIRK: She's told Parliament the Taliban's not yet defeated but there are some important signs of success.

JULIA GILLARD: This year brought a great victory against terrorism. The hiding place of Osama bin Laden was found and Osama bin Laden was killed.

ALEXANDRA KIRK: And she's sent a blunt message to Pakistan whose military and people are on the frontline of terrorism and been the victims of violence.

JULIA GILLARD: It is time for Pakistan to do more to counter terrorism and extremism particularly on its border with Afghanistan. This is in the interests of Afghanistan, Australia, our coalition partners and it is in the interest of Pakistan itself.

ALEXANDRA KIRK: Julia Gillard says since 2002 much has been gained, that Afghanistan is unrecognisable from the place Australians first deployed to and has laid out the international transition plan.

JULIA GILLARD: Over the next three years, Australia will complete our mission of training and transition. Australia will not abandon Afghanistan. Australia's contribution in Afghanistan will continue to be part of a wider international effort. We will be engaged through this decade at least.

ALEXANDRA KIRK: The Prime Minister's paid tribute to the 32 Australians lost in the past decade and more than 200 soldiers who've been wounded in Afghanistan, 48 this year.

JULIA GILLARD: They suffer amputations, fractures, gunshot and fragmentation wounds, hearing loss. What is called mild traumatic brain injury, something we will see more and more of as we learn more about how to detect and understand percussion damage from explosions.

Lacerations and contusions, concussion and traumatic brain injury, penetrating fragments and multiple severe injuries - many will not serve again. Our country will take care of these Australians as they have taken care of us.

ALEXANDRA KIRK: And Tony Abbott's reiterated his support for the mission and said Australian forces should stay in Afghanistan until the insurgency is defeated.

TONY ABBOTT: It would be unrealistic for Australia to stay longer than our principle allies are staying but it is vital that we achieve our mission. Afghanistan should not be abandoned after 2014.

Australia must remain a reliable friend and partner of Afghanistan if necessary for many years to come.